Essays on hinduism

The decree was condemned by the Indian and . governments as a violation of religious freedom. Widespread protests against the Taliban regime broke out in Bhopal , India. In the United States, Abraham Foxman , chairman of the Anti-Defamation League , compared the decree to the practices of Nazi Germany , where Jews were required to wear labels identifying them as such. [23] Several influential lawmakers in the United States wore yellow badges with the inscription "I am a Hindu", on the floor of the Senate during the debate as a demonstration of their solidarity with the Hindu minority in Afghanistan. [24] [25] [26] [27]

Hindus believe in the
repetitious Transmigration of the Soul . This is the transfer
of one's soul after death into another body. This produces a continuing cycle of birth,
life, death and rebirth through their many lifetimes. It is called samsara . Karma is the accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds.
Karma determines how you will live your next life. Through pure acts, thoughts and
devotion, one can be reborn at a higher level. Eventually, one can escape samsara and
achieve enlightenment. Bad deeds can cause a person to be reborn as a lower level, or even
as an animal. The unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, health, disability, suffering, etc. are thus seen as
natural consequences for one's previous acts, both in this life and in previous lives.

In this collection of essays the author discusses the basics of Hinduism. Outlining the message of the Bhagavad-Gita and the Upanisads, he argues that Hinduism is not a cult, nor a bunch of dogmas, but a religion of the highest order that speaks of an immanent and transcendental god. It also offers a philosophy of life that cuts across ethnic and geographic barriers between men. According to him, the essentials of Hindu religio-philosophic teaching are pervaded by the ideal of universalism and love for humanity. The author drives home the relevance of Hindu universalism to an age in which nations are armed for mutual annihilation. He maintains that successful application of the religio-philosophic teachings of Hindu seers will help humankind to overcome the worst crisis facing it in this nuclear age, and will lead to restructuring the world on the all-embracing principle of freedom and equity. The text is followed by the author's lucid translation and commentary on Mundaka Upanisad.